Explorer on the Arctic ice—Yukon

Basic Information:

"Yukon" is the abbreviation for Yukon Territory in Northwest Canada. This area is located in the Arctic Circle. Because of its special geographical location and climate characteristics. It has a unique road form rare in the world. "Ice Road"

Yukon Overview:

First, let's explain to you what is an ice road. Such roads only exist in very few perennially frozen areas such as the polar regions. It is a special road on the ice.

Yukon is one of the few areas in the world that has such special "roads". It is also the most suitable place for off-road enthusiasts to travel and explore. As a professional ice road travel destination. Yukon has perfect conditions for off-road enthusiasts. Not only can you rent a variety of four-wheel drive off-road vehicles in the local, but also professionals to guide you.

Yukon Region has three ice road travel routes.  The North Klondike Highway, The northernmost Dempster Highway in Canada, and The MacKenzie River Ice Road. Since Dempster is the most north. So it has the lowest temperature and the worst climate. The Mackenzie River Ice Road is famous for its most beautiful scenery.

Although located near the Arctic Circle. But Yukon is not always frozen. In summer, the thickness and firmness of ice in the Yukon are not enough to support the creation of ice roads. Only when winter temperatures dropped to a certain extent. The local transportation department began to closely monitor the ice conditions. When the ice surface reaches the right thickness and temperature. The local road administration department will first inspect along the road. Finally, use a special vehicle to clean and strengthen the ice road. After the road test is carried through, this "safe" ice road can only be open to the public

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If you want to have an off-road experience on the ice road of the Arctic Circle. You will have to face the most severe winter. On the official website of the Yukon Territory. It will regularly publish the current and historical ice road conditions and the opening hours of ice roads in various regions. If you are interested, you can check: http://www.gov.yk.ca/

The "safe" roads we mentioned just now are only relative to ordinary ice. Even if the ice road reaches the required thickness. These roads, which are liquid essentially, are also perilous. Smooth ice is a big challenge for vehicle grip and driving skills. The sudden crack in the ice also makes off-road enthusiasts nervous.

To fully ensure the safety of vehicles on icy roads. The local government has formulated the monitoring of ice conditions and distress handling plans. It is stipulated that the speed of vehicles driving on icy roads shall not exceed 30 km/h. The weight of each car is also strictly limited. Once the government system to detect the presence of a vehicle violation. The government will impose severe penalties such as huge fines.

Also, the local government recommends that off-road enthusiasts to Yukon use four-wheel-drive vehicles. Anyway, the four-wheel-drive much stronger than the two-wheel-drive.

Strictly speaking, driving on ice in the Yukon is not a pure off-road activity. Its greater significance is to experience the physical and mental dual limits of driving in polar regions. Driving in the Arctic Circle. Accompanied by the gurgling sound of wheels touching the ice. Any small case in the front is enough to make the nervous tightness. Yukon will be an unforgettable experience in your life.